The uncle of one of the London bombing suspects yesterday spoke of his family's devastation.
Bashir Ahmed (65) said the family of Shehzad Tanweer had been "left shattered" by claims that the 22-year-old was a suicide bomber.
Speaking at the family home in Beeston, Leeds, he said: "The family is shattered. This is a terrible thing."
Mr Ahmed said it was hard for the family to accept their son had caused such loss of life, adding: "It wasn't him. It must have been forces behind him."
He said his nephew was intelligent, adding: "He was a very kind and calm person. He was respected by everyone."
Mr Ahmed said his nephew went to Pakistan for two months earlier this year to study religion.
He denied earlier reports that his nephew travelled to Afghanistan and took part in training camps. "There is no way, I have seen his passport."
Mr Ahmed described his nephew as "calm and collected".
He added: "He was intelligent. He went to university, Leeds Met, to study sports science. His plan was to go into sports.
"He had everything to live for. His parents were loving and supportive. They had no financial worries."
He said he now accepted the family may have to move away from the area.